Buccaneer Bay offers cool relief when temperatures rise

With the summer season now in full swing, what better way to beat the heat than in the cool waters of Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

The swimming area of Buccaneer Bay is open daily, 365 days a year, and includes a childrenís-only swim area. WEEKI WACHEE

Buccaneer Bay is a constant 74-degree, crystal-clear, spring-fed natural pool area, where you can swim, snorkel, ride the water slides, or float lazily downstream in inflated inner tubes.

“We are Florida’s only spring fed water park,” said John Athanason, marketing manager at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. “I think people really like that above and beyond over those traditional water parks with chlorinated wade pools. Although those are fun places too, this is a little bit different. You get to swim in the pristine waters of the spring.”

The swimming area of Buccaneer Bay is open daily, 365 days a year, and includes a children’s only swim area.

Activities such as the water slides and the lazy river inner tube ride is now open daily through Aug. 17, and thereafter until Sept. 28 on weekends only.

“People can just float at a leisurely pace on our lazy river ride,” Athanason said.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located at 6131 Commercial Way in Weeki Wachee and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Adult admission to the park is $13, and $8 for children ages 6-12. Kids under 5 are free. An annual pass is available for $60 per person and includes admission to all Florida state parks.

Admission to the park includes all of the mermaid shows, wildlife shows, the river boat cruise, and Buccaneer Bay’s swim area, lazy river ride, and water slides. Covered pavilions are available for picnics. Grilling is not permitted, but guests can bring their own picnic food into the park.

“It’s really a great opportunity for people to have a fun-filled day,” said Athanason.

For more info, contact the park at (352) 592-5656 or visit www.weekiwachee.com.

Hernando Today correspondent Heather Francis can be reached at [email protected].